FICCI Ladies Organisation, Coimbatore Chapter celebrates International Millets Year

The FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), the women's wing of the Federation of Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), celebrated the "International Year of the Millets, 2023" in Coimbatore, India. The theme for the event was RISE & Reach out to the Community, with a focus on women's education, skill development, women-led businesses, legal & policy advocacy, and women in leadership roles. The Chief Guest, Padma Shri Dr.Khadar Valli, was an independent scientist and food & health expert, who highlighted the importance of millets in the millet movement and its health impact on the community. The event was attended by Rama Rajashekran, Chairperson-FLO Coimbatore, and Executive Committee Members. The event began with a prayer song, followed by lighting of a lamp and felicitation of Dr.Khadar Valli. The welcome address was delivered by Rama Rajashekran, who expressed gratitude for Dr.Khadar Valli's contribution to the millet movement and the importance of women in the nation's empowerment.
Sudha Shivkumar, National President-FICCI FLO, emphasized the need for the organization to promote millets at the grass root level, introducing technology, and fostering more start-ups. The UN has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets, and helping millets combat is not only popularized but also an effort to achieve sustainable development.
In his recent speech at the global millet conference, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi stated that millet will bring income to small farmers, solve food security issues, curb lifestyle diseases, and help in climate change. 
Over 500 start-ups have been set up for millets. Dr.Khadar Valli emphasized the importance of women in agriculture, stating that all women in different parts of the world, including women, made the human race economically stable and invented agriculture.
FLO's various activities focused on women's education, skill development, women-led businesses, legal & policy advocacy, and women in leadership roles. They are committed to promoting women entrepreneurs and guiding them to access funds from the Ministry of Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) of the Government.